Businesses that embed sustainability reap rewards

Companies that integrate sustainability into their businesses enjoy better business outcomes than those who treat it as a standalone project, according to research.

The report also found that companies are coming under increasing pressure from investors and stakeholders to focus on sustainability issues.

The latest EY Long-Term Value and Corporate Governance survey found that businesses that embed sustainability are 1.5 times more effective in achieving objectives.

However, overall fewer than one in five companies (18%) say their sustainability strategy focuses on long-term issues, and only 19% say it aligns with their wider business purpose.

“Sustainability cannot remain a siloed initiative; it must be recognised as a critical pathway for thriving businesses,” said Gerard Gallagher, EY Global Sustainability Leader.